White water rafting in New Zealand is a sport that requires some skill, but it can be a lot of fun. At the same time, it’s also an adventure activity that requires proper preparation and equipment to stay safe during your trip. This article will discuss why this rafting is so popular, the advantages of going on this type of river, and how you can prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience!
In some parts of the world, this sport is known as ‘Whitewater Kayaking’ because it involves paddling through white water rapids with a kayak (a small rubber boat). The person who participates in this activity can practice it solo, or he/she can participate with friends or family members.
Things You Need for White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is an exciting and challenging sport that requires many things for your safety.
- First of all, you usually require a boat for rafting.
- Then you need an individual or a small group of people to paddle a raft down the river or over rough water.
- The participants must use their strength and balance to steer the raft from one side of the river to the other.
- You must wear a life jacket always while in the rafting boat.
- The guide will also give out helmets and wet suits, which will help protect you from various accidents that might arise on river adventures.
Difference between White and Calm Water
Rafting is usually done on white water because white water flows faster than in calm waters. However, flow speed depends on many factors such as slope gradient, bedrock type, and other hydrological characteristics. Therefore, we can say that rivers with a high gradient or steep slope flow velocity will have a higher speed than those with low gradients or flat slopes.
Professional guide for Rafting
Rafting requires knowledge of the river, its history, and weather conditions. It also requires following instructions from an experienced guide. There are several things you must know before embarking on a rafting trip:
- Safety procedures: Knowing how to use personal flotation devices (PFDs) is crucial for your safety on the river. You must also be able to execute rescue techniques if needed by yourself or another rafter around you in emergencies such as hypothermia or injury from a fall into the water during paddling activities.
- Your guide: Your guide knows about the river’s history and can tell you tales about local folklore associated with it
- Weather conditions: You will need to ensure that there isn’t too much rain so your trip doesn’t get cancelled because of flooding concerns.
- Current conditions: Pay attention when checking out different rivers because some may have strong currents, which could cause problems while navigating them during extreme weather conditions like heavy rainstorms during the springtime season when the snow melts off mountain tops in New Zealand (December-February).
Some Famous Rivers for Water Rafting
New Zealand has some of the best white water rafting in the world, with great grade variations and classic rivers such as River Mokau, Rangitaiki River, Mohaka River, and Buller River.
- The Mokau is one of New Zealand’s most famous rivers for rafting. The river offers a variety of rapids to challenge all levels of rafters. It has many rapid sections that are not too difficult, but there are also longer, more challenging sections where you will get some fast water action!
- The Rangitaiki is another famous river for rafting trips on the South Island of New Zealand. This river offers something for everyone, from easy, family-friendly floats to more demanding, exhilarating trips!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whitewater rafting in New Zealand is one of the most exciting ways to discover wild rivers. You’ll get to see some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, but you’ll also experience all the thrills of rafting. That’s why it’s best to find experienced guides who can give you the safety tips to keep you safe while enjoying this great activity.
